The New York Jets have traditionally focused on defense during the NFL Draft, but this year could be very different under a new coaching and front office regime. The Jets need a lot of offensive help after the unit stalled out over the past two seasons and the decisions regarding players like Geno Smith and Percy Harvin will dictate the way New York spends their draft picks. A decision regarding Harvin could be coming sooner rather than later.
Harvin is a tough decision for the Jets and one they will look at from every angle. Harvin was acquired in the middle of the season after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and did not do much with the Jets. However, neither did any of their offensive performers so the comparisons are tough to make. When healthy, Harvin is easily a threat. However, his contract makes things complicated as the Jets try and figure out whether to keep or release the wide receiver.
According to the New York Post, the Jets are favoring retaining Harvin, but only if the receiver restructures his contract. New York is slowly running out of time to make a decision on Harvin. The Jets must decide by March 19 whether to keep or release the receiver. If on the roster by that cutoff, the Jets owe the wide receiver $10.5 million in salary while also having to send a fourth-round draft pick to the Seahawks. If released, the Jets eat some money and would have to send a sixth-round draft pick to Seattle. It is not an easy call as the Jets are hoping Harvin agrees to a pay cut to stay put.
"That's a process we're working through. We're going to talk to his agent," general manager Mike Maccagnan said, via the Post. "We do think Percy is a very good player, but that's a process we're working through right now. You have to look at different options you can do whether you carry him at his current contract, whether you try to restructure him for a more cap-friendly number."
If Harvin remains on the roster regardless of the price, the Jets will not be able to chase any other big names in free agency. However, if the receiver gets released, the Jets will suddenly have a lot of cap space to work with and will spend it on a top receiver. According to league sources, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree could emerge as favorites.
Once they make a call on the wide receiver position, the Jets can then decide their quarterback future. With Geno Smith not returning as the starter, the Jets could be the frontrunners to land Marcus Mariota. They reportedly favor the Oregon star over Jameis Winston, but might not be willing to give up draft picks if they retain Harvin and have to sacrifice picks to Seattle.
